Clemson says case protecting iconic Howard's Roc k damaged

CLEMSON, S.C. (AP) Clemson's athletic department says the case surrounding the school's iconic Howard's Rock that is the center of the team's pregame football ritual was damaged Wednesday morning.

The school said in a statement the rock does not to appear to have been damaged and that campus police are investigating the incident.

The rock sits at the entrance to Clemson's Memorial Stadium atop a hill. The casing is removed before games and Tiger coaches and players gather there and rub the rock before rushing down into the stadium.

It's the second time in two years there was vandalism on the rock.

In June 2013, the protective case was damaged and a piece of the rock was chipped off. Three men were arrested and charged in the case and are awaiting trial.